Two programs are offered in this concentration. The Spiritual Accompaniment (SA) program prepares individuals for the ministry of ongoing spiritual direction. While incorporating many aspects of Ignatian spirituality, the SA program is eclectic, drawing on the richness of many spiritual traditions.

The Ignatian Exercises Program (IEP) instructs individuals in Ignatian spirituality and prepares them to direct the complete Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius of Loyola. In addition to the standard IPS Application, admission to IEP requires a separate IEP Application, Recommendation Letter, and Interview. Click Ignatian Exercises Program for more information.

Note: the MASp: Spiritual Direction Concentration, in either the SA or IEP formats, is not offered online. Only the MASp: Contemporary Spirituality Concentration can be done completely online.

The Contemporary Spirituality Concentration is the academic and practical study of the field of spirituality and, specifically, Christian spirituality. The program explores understandings of spirituality in our time as well as the classic and contemporary sources of Christian spirituality. This Concentration provides the requisite spiritual, theological, biblical, historical, and psychological resources for general Christian ministry, focused on the “lived experience of faith” (spirituality). Persons that desire an intellectual and structured approach to their own spiritual journey are encouraged to apply.

Note: the MA in Contemporary Spirituality can be done either at the Water Tower Campus of Loyola University Chicago, at Loyola’s Academic Center at the Cuneo Mansion & Gardens in Vernon Hills, IL., or completely online.

The U.S. Department of Education requires any institution offering distance education/online programs to students outside of its home state to acquire authorization from the states in which students reside. Regulations vary from state to state. While Loyola University Chicago is authorized, exempt or pursuing authorization in most states, some restrictions apply. Please see our State Authorization page for the most up-to-date information.

Loyola University Chicago is registered as a private institution with the Minnesota Office of Higher Education pursuant to sections 136A.61 to 136A.71. Registration is not an endorsement of the institution. Credits earned at the institution may not transfer to all other institutions.